By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez,
As originally published by Texas Border Business in its newsprint edition February 2014
Not long ago, Valley residents welcomed a new bank to the area, PlainsCapital Bank and from the beginning it was a win for Valley residents. It happens that Alan B. White, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Plains Capital Corporation considerers his bank a community bank and as such the bank provides a face-to-face and courteous service to their customers.
Texas Border Business had the opportunity to talk with Mr. White during a special ceremony where he committed $50,000 to Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships (VAMOS). He said that it was not difficult for him to donate money to an entity that has a real track record of helping students with scholarships.
Additionally, Mr. White offered a $5,000 gift to Lauro Tijerina a VAMOS student that will graduate in May of 2014 and will attend a dental school in Houston Texas.
When White had the opportunity to use the podium it was nice to hear him say, “We Take Care of Our Employees, Customers, and Communities”, and today I attest to what he said.
Texas Border Business welcomes PlainsCapital Bank to the Valley and selected Alan B. White as our Front Cover for this month, simply because he is a great corporate partner for this community. In this issue, read more about him and his bank.
On another matter, Congress finally approved a budget deal clearing the way for a new public/private partnership. This move was badly needed. This new deal also funds 2,000 Customs and Border Protection Officers and provides an opportunity for state and local governments and business to step in where the federal government falls short.
If you remember, last year Mayor Beto Salinas was fuming because they were not able to use about $7 Million for studies and infrastructure for the Anzalduas Bridge. The money was secured by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and had a time limit in which to be used.
From that point to today things have changed thanks to the leadership in the House of Homeland Security Subcommittee Chairman Rep. John Carter (R-Texas) and subcommittee member Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) and in the Senate by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) this has become a reality. Some people could ask, what is this for? The public-private partnerships this bill creates will help secure the borders while building a stronger economy and creating jobs in the United States and the opportunities these partnerships provide by leveraging local and private dollars in these communities will help to increase trade and create jobs throughout Texas and the entire country.
It is important to mention that Rigo Villarreal the Superintendent of International Bridges McAllen/Mission put a lot of work into this. He coordinated with U.S. Congressman Cuellar, even while Cuellar was overseas, both worked to push this agenda through proper channels. Good work and thumbs up to all.
And what a refreshing moment, a young businesswoman visited Texas Border Business. She is Rita Garcia who loves her job and enjoys direct sales.
Garcia has her own home-based business where she works as an independent designer for Origami Owl Custom Jewelry.
“This is something that I absolutely love to do,” she told Texas Border Business.
“Direct sales is something that I have been doing since I was 18, when I actually started selling Avon for a couple of years…”
Read more about her business activities and you will also enjoy the report about the Mayor’s International Brunch in Mission and the extensive coverage of the McAllen State of the City address.
I know that you will enjoy this issue. TBB
